The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a difficult Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2025. Now, the team wishes to rebuild and return stronger in the next season. Youngsters such as Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, and Dewald Brevis assisted in bridging some gaps in the batting department. However, CSK still intends releasing some of its aging players in order to conserve funds for the player auction to come. This will provide them an opportunity to purchase fresh match-winning players. A prime name who is most expected to leave is R Ashwin, the Indian off-spinner and one of the highest-paid CSK players bought for Rs 9.75 crore. Some of the other players who could possibly leave are Devon Conway (Rs 6.25 crore), Rachin Ravindra (Rs 4 crore), Rahul Tripathi (Rs 3.4 crore), Sam Curran (Rs 2.4 crore), Gurjapneet Singh (Rs 2.2 crore), Nathan Ellis (Rs 2 crore), Deepak Hooda (Rs 1.75 crore), Jamie Overton (Rs 1.5 crore), and Vijay Shankar (Rs 1.2 crore). If all these players are released, CSK would free up approximately Rs 34.45 crore. With an additional amount of money, the team might have an approximate amount of Rs 40 crore to invest in the auction. CSK is interested in strengthening three areas: a solid hitter at the top of the order, a hard-hitting Indian batter in the middle, and a decent all-rounder who can bat and bowl equally well. Also Read | Brand Value of Indian Cricketers in 2025 Can CSK Acquire Sanju Samson Prior to Auction? CSK is keen on Sanju Samson, who could be leaving Rajasthan Royals (RR). But an exchange prior to the auction looks difficult. CSK does not wish to lose key players such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, or Shivam Dube. RR, on the other hand, might not wish to receive players from CSK who would soon be leaving them as they are expensive from last year's auction. The only hope for Samson to be part of CSK prior to the auction is if RR would settle for a deal with only money and no player transactions. This is not simple, and CSK will need to persuade RR a great deal. The friendly relationship between CSK owners and RR coach Rahul Dravid could facilitate this deal. Also, at the auction time, CSK can attempt to purchase all-rounder Cameron Green, Mitchell Owen, or Ben Stokes. Also Read | Who Saved Rohit Sharma Career Will MS Dhoni Play in IPL 2026? MS Dhoni will reportedly feature in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. There is no indication that he is retiring anytime soon. Despite last season being challenging, the team feels Dhoni will play for one more year. Dhoni indicated that he would take a call after analyzing how fit his body is. Further deliberations regarding next season will take place around mid-September.